Work Experience at JMW Solicitors
“I think the best part about my work experience with JMW, was JMW itself. I loved the environment and atmosphere - everyone (whether they were on my team or not) was very welcoming, kind and always made me feel so comfortable. It was such an amazing opportunity.”
JMW recognises that work experience is a great way for those at the start of their career to get a better understanding of the opportunities and options a legal career can offer.
We also know it can be a great way for the firm to spot talented individuals who have great future potential.
2025 Work Experience Overview
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a number of work experience placements across our Manchester and London offices in 2025.
Placement dates, opening and closing dates for applications, and the link to the application form can be found below.
Please note that whilst JMW seeks to provide work experience opportunities to as many people as possible, this has to be a balanced approach. As such, it is the firm’s policy to:
- provide placements during the dates outlined below;
- only offer work experience opportunities to students who are in Year 12 or above; and
- allow students to apply for one placement per calendar year.
Our Work Experience Schemes
JMW Insight: for A level students and first-year undergraduates.
Purpose: Designed to provide an insight into life at a law firm, including hearing from our trainees, lawyers and central services employees.
Duration: 2 days.
Available in: London and Manchester.
Number of places: 24 places in total (6 places for each 2-day period).
Dates available:
| April (Manchester) | October (London) | October (Manchester) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Dates: 14th and 15th and 24th and 25th | Placement Dates: 27th and 28th | Placement Dates: 30th and 31st |
| Application opening date: 17th February | Application opening date: 26th August | Application opening date: 26th August |
| Application deadline: 16th March | Application deadline: 21st September | Application deadline: 21st September |
Application process: Submission of an online application.
Please note:
- application forms will only be available during the times listed above;
- we will review all applications for each placement period after the deadline to apply has passed, and.
- once the review has taken place, you will receive an update on the outcome of your application.
JMW Inspire: for second- and third-year undergraduates, and postgraduates.
Purpose: JMW’s flagship work experience scheme for aspiring lawyers. During this scheme, students will spend time in a minimum of 2 departments (contentious and non-contentious), as well as undertaking development workshops and opportunities to engage with partners, solicitors and trainees.
Duration: 2 weeks in summer and 1 week in winter.
Available in: London and Manchester.
Number of places: 18 in total, with 6 places for each intake.
Dates available:
| July (Manchester) | July (London) | December (Manchester) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Dates: 6th to 18th July | Placement Dates: 27th July to 7th August | Placement Dates: 7th to 12th December |
| Application opening date: 21st April | Application opening date: 21st April | Application opening date: 6th October |
| Deadline: 26th May | Deadline: 26th May | Deadline: 9th November |
Application process: Submission of an online application.
Please note:
- application forms will only be available during the dates listed above;
- we will review all applications for each placement period after the deadline to apply has passed, and.
- once the review has taken place, you will receive an update on the outcome of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical format at JMW?
You are expected to work from a JMW office for the duration of your placement, with core hours of between 10:00 – and up to 17:00 (including a one-hour break for lunch).
Work Experience Students will be given a welcome induction, provided with IT equipment and asked to complete any relevant paperwork at the commencement of their placement.
What is the dress code?
JMW operates a business casual dress code, which encourages everyone to look smart and professional. However, please be aware that you may be required to attend client meetings or court hearings with little notice where formal attire is required, so do bear this in mind when dressing for your day.
Can I claim any expenses during my work placement?
Those undertaking work experience at JMW can claim expenses of up to £10 per day for travel and up to £5 per day for lunch (unless provided by JMW).
Receipts will need to be provided as proof of payment in accordance with JMW’s Expenses Policy.
Do I need to have a connection to the legal sector or JMW in order to apply?
Not at all! We recognise the value of having as diverse a talent pool as possible and therefore we promote a culture which is inclusive and welcoming, and we are open to considering applications from all.
Will I be able to request experience in a particular specialist area?
We will do our very best to match your areas of interest with our places but cannot guarantee that we will always be able to provide you with your first choice.
Will a period of work experience help me to secure a place as a Paralegal and/or Trainee Solicitor?
Anyone who wishes to apply for a role at JMW has to go through our formal application and selection process, so making a great impression during any time with us can only be a good thing!
What will happen once I've completed my placement?
We hope that you will have a chance to observe us and what we offer during your placement and consider a potential career with JMW.
We will ask you for feedback at the end of your placement and will also get some feedback from the team(s) you have worked with.
We hope that you benefit from your placement with us and if you would like information on future opportunities, this can be found on our careers pages, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram for regular updates.
Do you offer placements to school years below years 12 and 13?
Not at the moment, but we are keeping that under consideration.
Do you offer placements in your Liverpool office?
We don’t usually host placements from this location because only a small number of colleagues are based there (specialising in Family Law) and our other locations can therefore provide a wider breadth of experience.
Do you work with local/national charities to provide bespoke work experience programmes?
As a leading national law firm, we recognise our responsibility to integrate social and environmental considerations into our business activities.
For more information about this, please email James Povah (Emerging Talent Lead) in the first instance.